Face to Face
Face to Face: Conflict Resolution in Schools
Fad Versus Fit: Your Lifetime Fight Against Fat
Families in Transition
Family Abuse: Why Do People Hurt Each Other? 1st ed.
Family Tree
Feelings: Inside, Outside, Upside Down
Fighting Invisible Tigers: A Stress Management Guide for Teens. Rev. & upd. ed.
Finders Keepers
First Aid Basics
The First Honest Book About Lies
Fish House Secrets
Fitness First: Planning for Self Improvement
Fitting In (Stress)
Flash Judgements
Focus: A Social-Emotional Skills Development Program, Grades 4-7
Focus on Safety Series
Foghorn Passage
Food Guide Facts: Background for Educators and Communicators
For Teens: The Gentle Art of Refusal
Freak the Mighty
A Friend Indeed (Responsibility)
A Friend Like Zilla
Friends for Life: Featuring Amy Wilson
From Boyhood to Manhood
From Girlhood to Womanhood
The Frontline Series
Face to Face (Print-Fiction). Bauer, Marion Dane. Dell Publishing Co., Inc. (DOU), 1991. 176 p. ISBN 0-440-40791-5 ($4.99 pbk.).
Following a dispute with his step-father, 13-year-old Michael decides that a visit to his father's white water rafting camp will solve all his problems. Instead, both Michael and his father are disappointed, and Michael comes to realize that he will never be the courageous, tough son that his father expects. Michael seriously considers ending his disappointment by committing suicide; only the knowledge that his death would bring pain to those around him saves Michael and allows him to discover that his step-father truly loves him.
Suggested Use: Grade 8 - Family Structures, Roles, and Responsibilities; Grade 9 - Tragic Death and Suicide
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Face to Face: Conflict Resolution in Schools (Kit). (Staff Development Series). King Squire Film Productions (SUN), 1994. 40 min. Order no. 2617-03 ($149.95).
This resource consists of a video and binder of teacher resource staff development materials that could be appropriately used with teachers from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Successful conflict resolution programs are described, with a presentation of a particularly effective program for facilitating conflict resolution skills in students. It is appropriate for an inservice presentation on conflict resolution to a staff or a school division.
Suggested Use: Grade 7 - Conflict Resolution; Teacher Reference
Other Use: Students With Challenging Behaviours
Fad Versus Fit: Your Lifetime Fight Against Fat (Video). Cambridge Educational (MCI), 1992. 37 min. Order no. 010026 ($89.00).
This program focuses on the effects of fad diets as opposed to the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise. Julie, a teenager who is obsessed with thinness is invited to write about nutrition and diets for her school newspaper. She writes about metabolism, exercise, balanced diets, eating disorders, and building self-esteem. Throughout the process, she helps herself and her friends to develop a healthier lifestyle.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Body Image and Nutrition; Grade 7 - Healthy Eating; Grade 8 - Eating Disorders
Families in Transition (Print-Anthology). Fenwick, Tara J., ed. (The Issues Collection). McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited (LRDC), 1994. 153 p. Order no. 7733 ($12.50 pbk.). Teacher's Guide - Order no. 7734 ($34.65 pbk.).
(CAN) The stories, poems, and articles in this anthology all portray families coping with change. Different definitions, feelings, and experiences of family are explored. The teacher's guide provides excellent support materials. Included in each book is a table of contents.
Suggested Use: Grade 8 - Family Structures, Roles, and Responsibilities
Family Abuse: Why Do People Hurt Each Other? 1st ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Greenberg, Keith. (Issues of Our Time Series). Twenty First Century Bks. (VAN), 1994. 64 p. ISBN 0-8050-3183-9 ($27.40 hdc.).
In simply written language, this American book offers a discussion on emotional, physical, and sexual abuse in the family including the causes, how to detect abuse, and what can be done to help the victims. The author encourages readers to form their own conclusions and to pursue the subject further. The text is reinforced with numerous colour photographs, charts, and graphs. Included are a table of contents, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index.
Suggested Use: Grade 8 - Family and Community Violence
Family Tree (Print-Fiction). Ayres, Katherine. Doubleday Canada Limited (DOU), 1997. 176 p. ISBN 0-440-41193-9 ($4.99 pbk.).
When 11-year-old Tyler, the child of a single father, is attempting to construct a family tree, she finds out about her Amish background and other family secrets. This is a warm, well-written novel.
Suggested Use: Grade 8 - Family Structures, Roles, and Responsibilities
Feelings: Inside, Outside, Upside Down (Video). Sunburst Communications (SUN), 1992. 20 min. Order no. 2366-03 ($149.95).
This video addresses the mixed feelings that are a common part of puberty, regardless of gender. It examines feelings involved concerning body changes, new responsibilities, and changing relationships between the sexes. It reassures teenagers that although new feelings can be unsettling and frightening, they often lead to self-discovery and a different perspective of the world.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Changes of Puberty
Fighting Invisible Tigers: A Stress Management Guide for Teens. Rev. & upd. ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Hipp, Earl. Free Spirit Publishing, Inc. (LRDC), 1995. 153 p. Order no. 8474 ($20.90 pbk.).
This appealing book addresses the pressures and problems encountered by teenagers and provides information on life skills, stress management, and methods of gaining more control over their lives. It offers insightful advice on numerous topics such as being assertive, building supportive relationships, making decisions, staying healthy, and even growing a funny bone. The text is enhanced with several black-and-white illustrations. Included are a table of contents and an index.
Suggested Use: Grade 7 - Assertiveness Skills; Conflict Resolution; Healthy Eating; Grade 8 - Family Structures, Roles, and Responsibilities
Finders Keepers (Print-Fiction). Spalding, Andrea. Beach Holme Publishing Ltd. (LRDC), 1995. 143 p. Order no. 14211 ($8.40 pbk.).
(CAN, I/M) Danny Budzynski is a youth living in Fort MacLeod, Alberta, who is struggling in school because of a learning disability. One day he finds a Peigan lance head in a pasture near his home. When he meets and becomes friends with Joshua Brokenhorn from the Peigan Reserve, Danny learns more about the unusual artifact and about the customs, beliefs, and history of a First Nations culture. Danny begins to understand his learning disability with the help of Joshua's grandfather, an Elder who teaches Danny to see through fresh eyes.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Self-concept
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
First Aid Basics (Print-Non-Fiction). Canadian Red Cross Society, The (CRC), 1995. 50 p. ISBN 1-55104-107-3 ($1.50 pbk.).
(CAN) This pocket-sized guide provides useful information on various aspects of first aid such as emergency action principles, treatment for various conditions, what to include in a first aid kit, and instructions on calling for emergency medical assistance. It is intended to be used as a reference book to familiarize readers with first aid procedures before they are needed or as a quick source of information in an emergency. It, of course, is not a substitute for taking a first aid course. Included is a table of contents.
Suggested Use: Grade 7 - First Aid
Other Use: Health Education: Elementary Level
The First Honest Book About Lies (Print-Non-Fiction). Kincher, Jonni. Free Spirit Publishing, Inc. (MON), 1992. 170 p. ISBN 0-915793-43-1 ($21.95 pbk.).
Through games, experiments, and activities, this user friendly resource helps readers to discern the truth from lies. It includes a chapter entitled "Adver-Lies" on how advertisers shape opinions and actions, and another chapter entitled "All Hat and No Cattle" on public relations and media lies. Black-and-white drawings add interest to the text. Included are a table of contents, a bibliography, and an index.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Body Image and Nutrition; Grade 9 - Tobacco Industry
Fish House Secrets (Print-Fiction). Stinson, Kathy. Thistledown Press Ltd. (GNP), 1993. 160 p. ISBN 1-895449-10-3 ($7.95 pbk.).
(CAN) This is the first time since the death of his mother that 15-year-old Chad and his father are spending the summer at their Nova Scotia cottage. When a runaway teen from Halifax hides out in their fish house, she and Chad help each other to resolve their emotional problems. This is a moving example of the need for communication between grieving family members. This novel is suitable for mature adolescent readers.
Suggested Use: Grade 7 - Conflict Resolution; Grade 8 - Family Structures, Roles, and Responsibilities; Grade 9 - Tragic Death and Suicide
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Fitness First: Planning for Self Improvement (Video). (The Harcourt Brace Health Video Series). Harcourt Brace & Company Canada Ltd. (HBJ), 1996. 12 min. ISBN 0-15-306380-7 ($51.95).
As part of an after-school project, students plan ways to improve their physical fitness. They learn to set a goal, plan a way to reach the goal, carry out a plan, and record their experiences in a journal.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Body Image and Nutrition
Fitting In (Stress) (Video). (Your Choice...Our Chance Series). Agency for Instructional Technology (MGR), 1990. 15 min. Dup. order no. V3501. Teacher's Guide for series - Order no. G3498 ($2.25 loose-leaf).
Theresa, 11, lives with her father and 16-year-old sister. They have just moved, and Theresa has started a new school. Her mother, a dancer, is away on tour; she is ignored by the housekeeper; and her father is usually absent on business. She learns that her closest friends will not be able to join her on her birthday. Her greatest pleasure is her ballet class and dancing. A friendly flower-seller tries to cheer her up, advises her to be herself, and admires her dancing. At school, she joins a group dominated by Angela, who is always ready to take risks, including smoking marijuana, which she offers to Theresa. Theresa's sister Janet says that marijuana is a poor prop for handling stress; but Tommy, Janet's boyfriend, downplays Janet's warnings. On Theresa's birthday, her father calls in to say that his flight was cancelled and that he will not be able to make it. She attends a party given by Angela whose parents are not home. Theresa is once again offered marijuana and has to decide what to do. The program ends with her decision unresolved. Supporting print material is available from Media Group.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Drug Addictions and Gambling; Grade 7 - Alcohol and Other Drugs; Grade 8 - Family Structures, Roles, and Responsibilities
Flash Judgements (Video). Altschul Group (MAG), 1996. 24 min. Order no. 372-31-573 ($149.00).
Initially, viewers are invited to express their first impressions of various people based on their portraits. Then, viewers meet the real people and are asked to compare their first impressions to what they think after they have heard about the backgrounds, hopes, dreams, and imperfections of the actual people.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Self-concept
Focus: A Social-Emotional Skills Development Program, Grades 4-7 (Kit). MacDonald Fowler, Shelagh and Doucette, Betty. Irwin Publishing Inc. (IRW), 1993. ISBN 1-896203-00-0 ($400.00).
This kit provides strategies and activities specifically designed to facilitate change in attitudes and observable behaviour in students in need of social skills. A group approach is used, with role plays, discussions, and exploratory activities to engage students. The program can be used at any of the Grades 4-7. Included are seven sets of cards, nine teaching charts, five pictures of faces with various expressions, and a facilitator's guide. The activities could easily be adapted to fit within the decision-making process of the Health Education Curriculum.
Suggested Use: Grade 7 - Assertiveness Skills
Other Use: Students With Challenging Behaviours
Focus on Safety Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Please refer to the titles: Hazards at Home, and Recreation Can Be Risky.
Foghorn Passage (Print-Fiction). Lohans Pirot, Alison. (Irwin Young Adult Fiction Series). Stoddart Publishing Co. Ltd. (LRDC), 1992. 215 p. Order no. 8475 ($8.10 pbk.).
(SK) As 16-year-old Samantha struggles to come to terms with her father's death from cancer, she meets a young paraplegic. Matt is a talented violinist who has been injured in a car accident. Samantha's experiences with her own bitterness and grief help her as she encourages Matt to confront and overcome his own feelings of alienation and despair. This is a thoughtful presentation of the grieving process.
Suggested Use: Grade 9 - Chronic Illness; Tragic Death and Suicide
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Food Guide Facts: Background for Educators and Communicators (Print-Non-Fiction). Health and Welfare Canada (HWC), 1992. 24 p. ISBN 0-662-19966-9. ($Free pbk.).
(CAN) This title is a collection of fact sheets created to assist educators in communicating an in-depth understanding of "Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating." Each of the 11 fact sheets addresses key concepts of the food guide and provides practical tips and real-life examples to help communicate the basic principles of healthy eating. Some of the titles are "Importance of Variety in Healthy Eating," "Examples of How the Food Guide Meets Individual Needs," "Food Labels and the Food Guide," and "Making the Vitality Message Come Alive."
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Body Image and Nutrition; Grade 7 - Healthy Eating; Teacher Reference
For Teens: The Gentle Art of Refusal (Video). Sunburst Communications (SUN), 1991. 18 min. Order no. 2352-03 ($149.95).
This video depicts a group of six high school students discussing an assignment dealing with refusal skills. The students create role plays regarding: refusing to cheat on a test, refusing to reveal the intimate details of a date, refusing pressure for sexual intimacy, refusing a date, refusing to gossip about a friend, and not refusing to leave a drunken party. The program demonstrates ways that students can exercise positive refusal techniques that allow them to act according to their values and to maintain their friendships.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Personal Standards; Self-concept; Grade 7 - Assertiveness Skills; Peer Pressure
Other Use: Career Guidance: Middle Level
Freak the Mighty (Print-Fiction). Philbrick, Rodman. Scholastic Canada Ltd. (LRDC), 1993. 169 p. Order no. 8831 ($4.20 pbk.).
Max is a big, awkward teen who has always thought he was unintelligent. After Kevin, a boy whose bone structure has not grown, decides that they make a good team, Max's life changes. He becomes the body needed for Freak the Mighty's exciting and imaginative feats of chivalry and daring. When Kevin dies, Max finds that their experiences taught him that he is a worthwhile person in his own right. This is a short, powerful story about the courage needed to acknowledge and work with disabilities.
Suggested Use: Grade 8 - Decision-making Process
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
A Friend Indeed (Responsibility) (Video). (Your Choice...Our Chance Series). Agency for Instructional Technology (MGR), 1990. 15 min. Dup. order no. V3507. Teacher's Guide for series - Order no. G3498 ($2.25 loose-leaf).
J.D.'s friend Brad wants to drink all the time and even persuades J.D. to drink some whiskey with him. When Brad passes out on a trestle, J.D. gets worried enough to try to get help from an alcohol hotline. Following the counsellor's advice, he tries to tell Brad how concerned he is, but Brad rejects him and drinks even more, making himself sick at a movie. At school, the boys' teacher introduces a high school student who represents the early intervention program. She tells the class about her experiences as an alcoholic and her recovery. Following the presentation, J.D. tells his mother about Brad's problems and admits that he drank with his friend once. His mother is outraged and calls Brad's father, who punishes Brad. As a result, Brad rejects J.D. entirely and alienates Tony, another friend of J.D. Eventually, Brad's drinking gets him in serious trouble during a fight, and Tony asks J.D. where they can get help. They turn to their teacher, who says that the early intervention program can help Brad. Supporting print material is available from Media Group.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Drug Addictions and Gambling; Grade 7 - Alcohol and Other Drugs
A Friend Like Zilla (Print-Fiction). Gilmore, Rachna. Second Story Press (LRDC), 1995. 133 p. Order no. 14706 ($4.20 pbk.).
(CAN) Nobby and her family travel to a cottage in Prince Edward Island to spend their summer vacation. While there, she meets 17-year-old Zilla. As the friendship between the two girls grows, so do the challenges. Zilla is intellectually disabled, and while Nobby and her family love Zilla for her strengths, Uncle Chad does not. It is only after they have been faced with a dangerous situation that Chad comes to see Zilla for the strengths she has and the unique contributions she makes. This easily read novel includes several pencil sketches.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Self-concept
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9
Friends for Life: Featuring Amy Wilson (Print-Fiction). Shulman, Jeffrey and Aiello, Barbara. (The Kids on the Block Book Series). Twenty First Century Bks. (LRDC), 1988. 48 p. Order no. 8302 ($15.55 hdc.).
Members of the fifth-grade video club and their community have mixed reactions when they learn that their club sponsor, Natalie, has AIDS. However, one of the students named Amy Wilson has the courage to question the strangeness that the AIDS spell has cast on the community. She videotapes the club as they have an intimate discussion about what the AIDS virus is, how Natalie contracted it through intercourse with her husband (who acquired it through sharing a needle), and the effects that it has on its victims. When Amy plays this video at an AIDS information meeting in the school auditorium, it touches the hearts of community members and convinces many of them to support Natalie. This resource supports the Grade 8 unit because it addresses:
It also supports the Grade 9 unit because it addresses:
Please note that this book does not mention that the virus can be transmitted through blood products or from mother to fetus.
Suggested Use: Grade 8 - HIV/AIDS Education; Grade 9 - HIV/AIDS Education
From Boyhood to Manhood (Video). (Learning About Growing Up Series). TMW Media (THA), 1995. 22 min. Order no. K801 ($39.95).
With the goal of creating a safe, friendly environment in which to stimulate discussion about the transition from boyhood to manhood, this program offers the various perspectives of sixth graders in their classroom, people on the street, and professionals such as doctors, counsellors, and teachers. Beginning with a discussion about images of men and women and the concept of attraction, the video includes the topics of sex drive, hormones, the role of the pituitary gland, the physical changes that occur in puberty, and the various accompanying emotions. The students ask bold questions and discuss such topics as platonic relationships, maturity, abstinence, sexual activity, pregnancy, STDs, and AIDS. In addition to live-action footage, it includes animated diagrams.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Changes of Puberty; Grade 9 - Abstinence, STDs, Pregnancy, and Contraception
From Girlhood to Womanhood (Video). (Learning About Growing Up Series). TMW Media (THA), 1995. 23 min. Order no. K802 ($39.95).
With the goal of creating a safe, friendly environment in which to stimulate discussion about the transition from girlhood to womanhood, this program offers the various perspectives of sixth graders in their classroom, people on the street, and professionals such as doctors, counsellors, and teachers. In addition to discussions regarding what constitutes womanhood, the video includes topics such as hormones, ovulation, menstruation, and reproduction. The students ask bold questions and discuss such topics as platonic relationships, maturity, abstinence, sexual activity, pregnancy, STDs, and AIDS. In addition to live-action footage, it includes animated diagrams.
Suggested Use: Grade 6 - Changes of Puberty; Grade 9 - Abstinence, STDs, Pregnancy, and Contraception
The Frontline Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Please refer to the title: AIDS: Examining the Crisis.